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- What is norethindrone birth control pill?
- Why is norethindrone birth control pill used?
- What are the side effects of norethindrone birth control pill?
- What is the dosage for norethindrone birth control pill?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with norethindrone birth control pill?
- Is norethindrone birth control pill safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about norethindrone birth control pill?
What is norethindrone birth control pill?
Norethindrone is a progestin that is used as an oral contraceptive.
What brand names are available for norethindrone birth control pill?
Brand names for norethindrone oral contraceptive include:
- Camila
- Errin
- Heather
- Jencycla
- Nor QD
- Nora-BE
- Ortho Micronor
- Incassia
Why is norethindrone birth control pill used?
- Norethindrone is used for the prevention of pregnancy.
What are the side effects of norethindrone birth control pill?
Common side effects of norethindrone include:
- Menstrual irregularity
- Frequent and irregular bleeding
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Nausea
- Dizziness
Other possible side effects of norethindrone include:
- Long bleeding episodes
- Lack of menstruation
- Acne
- Hirsutism
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Edema
- Nervousness
- Pain in extremity
- Genital discharge
- Breast pain
- Menstruation delayed
- Suppressed lactation
- Vaginal bleeding
- Heavy menstruation
- Withdrawal bleeding
Possible serious side effects of norethindrone include:
- Depression
- Serious allergic reactions
- Hepatitis
- Jaundice
- Ovarian cyst
- Ectopic pregnancy
What is the dosage for norethindrone birth control pill?
- The recommended dose is one tablet daily at the same time of the day.
Which drugs or supplements interact with norethindrone birth control pill?
A number of medications can decrease the blood levels of norethindrone by increasing its elimination in the liver. Examples of medications that increase the elimination of estrogens include:
- carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- phenobarbital
- phenytoin (Dilantin)
- rifampin (Rifadin)
- St. John's wort
- bosentan (Tracleer)

QUESTION
Which of the following are methods for contraception? See AnswerIs norethindrone birth control pill safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
- Oral contraceptives are generally avoided during pregnancy. Use of norethindrone during pregnancy has been associated with masculinization of female infants.
- Small amounts of progestin pass into breast milk and are detectable in the infant. Use of birth control pills during lactation has been associated with decreased milk production. Norethindrone may be used by breastfeeding women.
What else should I know about norethindrone birth control pill?
What preparations of norethindrone birth control pill are available?
- Tablets: 0.35 mg
How should I keep norethindrone birth control pill stored?
- Norethindrone tablets should be stored at room temperature, 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F).
How does norethindrone birth control pill work?
- Norethindrone is a progestin, and progestins prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation (release of the egg), making it more difficult for sperm to penetrate the uterine mucus that surrounds the egg, and therefore, for fertilization to take place. Progestins also change the uterine lining to prevent the fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.
When was norethindrone birth control pill approved by the FDA?
- The FDA approved norethindrone in January, 1973.
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Summary
Norethindrone oral contraceptive (Nor QD, Nora-BE, Ortho Micronor) is a prescription drug used to prevent pregnancy. Side effects include headache, nausea, dizziness, breast tenderness, irregular vaginal bleeding, acne, fatigue, and weight gain. Drug interactions, storage, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety information should be reviewed prior to taking any medication.
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